Is it really ok to miss a dose? PMPS 137 and finicky eating?

OK, I guess I'm beating myself up a LOT. Didn't know what to do tonight because Mishka is fighting an upper respiratory infection -- sneezing, stuffy, doesn't want to eat all that much. He only had one 3 oz can of FF today when he usually has two. I'm basically free feeding from AM until about 4 hours until PM shot. We're still trying to find the right feeding schedule that fits his almost 17 y/o nibble as he pleases eating habit. Anyway, PMPS was 137 and I was really, really afraid he would not eat tonight. So, I decided on no shot. I've read though that he is still diabetic and needs insulin and that no insulin can lead to DKA. I am just so very, very confused. I skipped PM shot on Friday when PMPS was 131, and +11 was just 160. Confused, confused, confused. But I did manage the spreadsheet this evening

 

Skipping the shot at a pre shot this low was fine. As you get more data on your SS you’ll be able to try small doses at lower pre shot numbers. Below 0.5 u you have 0.25 u, what we call 0.1 u and what we call a drop. He’s doing very well with those blues.

 

Ohhhhh thank you so very, very much Kris. I have some earlier data I need to add, but I was quite pleased I managed the SS!

 

Thanks Kris. So I guess I'll figure the morning out if Mishka's AMPS is 130 or so Maybe I'll try to eyeball a 0.25 and hopefully he'll eat. Also thought I'd keep trying to get him to eat tonight.

 

Have you tried warming the food so it's a little extra smelly, or adding some parmesan cheese? - kitties tend to eat better when they can smell their food and a stuffy nose can impede that.

 

Yes, I always warm his food. We've been having appetite problems since before Christmas when we were fighting the upper respiratory then as well. He won't touch the food with parmasean cheese...LOL. Usually if I crumble a few freeze dried low carb chicken, he'll nibble at the food. Crossing my fingers for a few nibbles later tonight.

 

Yeah, mine won't touch the Parmesan either. Sending healing vines your way! I hope Mishka feels better soon!

 

So sorry Mishka isn't feeling well! Ketones can happen, but they are far more likely when the numbers are higher. Most likely he isn't eating due to the URI and having a harder time smelling the food. I found crushed up treat dust or sticking crumbled treats kind of into the food helps...that way they can't jsut eat it off the top. Sending healing vines!

 

Yep -- treat dust works!

 

Mishka's numbers look so good. I wish I could get a spreadsheet of almost all blue!

 

thank you! I haven't put in the number from previous days -- they weren't so blue. But looking back, I have to say that weren't that bad except early on when the vet had us dosing at 2U

 

Mishka gave me a nice gift today --- NEGATIVE Ketones -- first test, and I've officially converted a long handled kitchen spoon to a urine collection spoon . AND he actually showed interest in playing with light reflected off my phone (similar to laser light). He stalked it!!! That's my boy

 

Kris -- PMPS 140 tonight -- tried to give 0.25 -- we'll see how it goes.

 

Get a +2 test. That can often show whether they're going to drop quite a bit. If +2 is significantly lower than PS (50+ points) that can be a sign of an active cycle where you'd have to test more.

 

Kris -- +1.39 is 115. This was a few minutes after Mishka ate about 1/4 can FF. I didn't want to wait any longer to test. How long does it take food to effect the BG? I guess I should encourage him to nibble more and test again?

 

Lower doses often hit their system faster and then have shorter duration, so the drop at the beginning can sometimes be quick followed by many hours in the same ranges. Typically food hits in 30-60 minutes, and insulin kicks in around +2, but again, for some cats it kicks in sooner on a tiny dose. I wouldn't be worried about that drop at this point as she's still nice and safe. Fingers crossed you get a green tonight!

 

I agree with Djamilla. He should be fine.

 

Thanks Kris & Djamila -- I'll test again in another hour. He just ate some more. I guess as a "newbie" I am so very, very afraid that I won't recognize hypo. I do sleep with honey and Karo by my bedside though . Why do smaller doses hit their system faster? I'm just so glad I'm not following the vet's 1U no matter what recommendation. Thanks again!

 

That's a good question - I don't know why. It's just something I've noticed on a number of spreadsheets, and from my kitty when he was on a lower dose. Doesn't work that way for all low dose kitties, but enough that I thought it might be worth mentioning. Time and data will show if it's true for Mishka or not. Also as you collect more data it will help you relax about the hypo danger. You'll know how he responds to different doses and can let go of some of the worry, knowing that you're keeping him safe.

 

Thanks, as always 107 @ +4 . Just tested. Ate 1/2 3 oz can FF b/t tests though. I think I'd worry less if he was a consistent eater and if I could convince him to eat the majority of his meals before his shots.

 

If his nose is still stuffy you could bring him in the bathroom with you and run a steamy shower. When I had a sock kitten I used to put her in a carrier and drape a towel over and put the end of a nebulizer in the carrier.

Bonito flakes are stinky and may entice her to eat.

 

Thanks Janet -- I'll remember the Bonito for next time! Not as stuffy and seems to be feeling better. Yes, Mishka and I know the shower trick, our sauna time! It works, but he meows the whole time!

 

You could put a vaporizer in his favorite hang out room too. Glad he's feeling better